Dani Alves: Chelsea forward Pedro should have stayed at Barcelona

Chelsea winger Pedro would have been happier had he stayed at Barcelona this summer, according to former teammate Dani Alves. After falling behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in Luis Enrique's attacking pecking order, Pedro reluctantly pushed for a transfer away from the club where he has spent his entire professional career, signing a four-year deal with Jose Mourinho's side.

While the 28-year-old praised Jose Mourinho for helping him rediscover his rhythm, his former Barcelona teammate Alves says he should have remained where he was, insisting he would have eventually found happiness again at the Nou Camp.

"I told Pedro he should have stayed at the team but too many people got involved," Dani Alves said, as quoted by The Mirror. "Had he stayed he would have been happy here but we don't make the decisions. If we did I would want him to stay for years.

Pedro, who was also wanted by Manchester United during the summer transfer window, enjoyed a bright start to his Chelsea career, scoring and providing an assist on his full debut, and despite the club's current slump, he insists he is happy in west London. "When someone gets to play, they gain rhythm, confidence, you're happier, you try out more things," Pedro recently explained to the club website. "Leaving Barca was tough for me but I'm happy with the change."

Barcelona meanwhile are still search of a replacement for Pedro, a situation worsened by recent injuries to Rafinha Alcantara and Messi. The Catalan giants remain heavily linked with Celta Vigo's Nolito, although Spanish newspapers AS and Mundo Deportivo now suggest the club may have to sell before they can buy in January.